Laurence Jones
Album: What's It Gonna Be
Label: RUF
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.laurencejonesmusic.com

Laurence Jones is a stunning blues guitar player who at the age of 23 has the world at his feet.

Already he has two great albums under his belt, a multitude of live performances in the UK and further afield, and a brilliant band.

Bu what many of his fans will not realise is that this young man carries a heavy load. He was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease just as he turned professional.

The album is in aid of the charity Crohn's and Colitis UK and Laurence also pays tribute to staff at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital where he is being treated with monthly blood transfusions.

Nine of eleven tracks were written by Laurence. The title track What's It Gonna Be is a strong riff laden rocker with lots of fret magic to kick off the album in style.

Don't Need No Reason is a 12-bar shuffle, that explodes into life with a blistering solo

Evil starts off as an upbeat shuffle then slows down to a sweet languid solo that slowly builds to a storming climax. It's sure to be a live favourite.

Laurence is backed by Roger Inniss on Bass and Miri Miettinen on drums, with guest appearances by Sandi Thom on Don't Look Back and Dana Fuchs on Can't Get Enough.

Don't Look Back, a more soulful number, with shimmering guitars and a great groove.

All I Need hits the nail on the head, a soulful plea for help with equally soulful guitar.

Laurence's vocals are more confident and his guitar playing more varied which makes this album even more enjoyable.

Leadbelly's Good Morning Blues gets the full-on Laurence Jones treatment. Effortless playing. Phew!

The Bad Company classic, Can't Get Enough, is extended and benefits from the efforts of Dana Fuchs, a great voice. Set It Free, has a kind of Latin feel, with solo guitar kicking off a mellow tune. Move over Santana…Stop Moving the House is a great backbeat rock n roller to finish off the album.

This is a great album for a great cause and a wonderful introduction to one of the UK's brightest blues guitar players.

His many fans already know all about Laurence Jones. If you don't, where have you been?

John Knighton